Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Vodafone Q1 results in line with expectations
Vodafone LON:VOD has published a Q1 update this morning, noting continued growth and performance in line with expectations. Management add that whilst the business isn’t immune from the current macroeconomic challenges, they remain on track to deliver full year results in line with guidance. In addition to those headwinds, the note also details the continuous slew of regulatory hurdles that chip away at profitability.
#2. SThree: solid demand for STEM staff sees profits soar
Specialist recruiter SThree LON:STEM has issued half year numbers today, headlining with very strong profit growth, driven by demand for STEM talent and high productivity. Like for like revenues are up 27% whilst operating profits are up 62%. Shareholders are being rewarded with a 67% increase in dividends and management note that the strength of demand for staff with STEM skills is sufficiently high, this ought to eclipse any macroeconomic pressures.
#3. Vesuvius profits upgraded off better May & June performance
Vesuvius LON:VSVS, a global leader in molten metal flow engineering, has published interim results this morning. Trading in May and June came in stronger than had been anticipated and this has resulted in the company upgrading profit expectations for the first half. The outperformance is seen as being a result of a successfully implemented pricing strategy to recover input costs as well as building market share.